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Health: what people will be interested in in 2012
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
Consumer trends expected to drive health care in 2012 include improved sleep, new energy drinks and smartphone apps, according to a leading U.S. national research group.
Top 5 Healthcare Trends for 2012:
- Natural Energy Drinks - Over the past few years, there has been a rise in popularity of energy drinks such as Monster, Red Bull, and Burn. These drinks are becoming increasingly popular among adults. However, people who follow a healthy lifestyle are looking to get the same effect from drinks that contain 100% natural ingredients.
- Sleep - Research has shown that lack of sleep is associated with hypertension, weight gain, decreased immunity, and depression. In 2012, more people will associate sleep with health. 76% of U.S. citizens would like to improve the quality and quantity of sleep. In addition, the National Sleep Foundation states that two-thirds of women have persistent sleep problems. According to the World Association of Sleep Medicine, 45% of people worldwide suffer from insomnia.
- "Flexitarians" - Although the number of vegetarians and vegans in the U.S. will remain small, more people will become "Flexitarians" (a lifestyle in which people who consciously reduce their meat consumption for health reasons still consume animal protein) in 2012. One indication of this trend is the rise of flexitarian groups on social media.
- Digital Motivations - While many people understand the importance of exercise, they are often not motivated enough to make it part of their daily routine. However, modern social media platforms provide this motivation digitally. For example, Reebok promises to give gifts to Twitter or Facebook users when they complete their scheduled workouts, and online resource Stikk.com allows users to create "Commitment Contracts" to quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise regularly.
- DIY Health Apps - The DIY health movement will continue to grow in 2012 in the form of smartphone apps that allow users to track their health around the clock. Examples of existing apps range from a skin scanning sensor that scans and monitors moles to a blood pressure monitor that records the user's blood pressure and sends it directly to the doctor. By the end of 2012, the number of such health-related apps will increase to 13,000.
Mike Weissman, president of the DGWB Institute (California, USA), said: "These trends are consistent with the growing importance of health to humans. It is no exaggeration to say that health is the new barometer of prestige in the world - meaning that most people would rather be healthy than rich."
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